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Maserati driver receives suspended sentence after fatal Pontypool crash
Overview
Ronald Dowling, 66, has been given a 27-month prison sentence suspended for two years after pleading guilty to causing death and serious injury by careless driving. Driving at 76mph in heavy rain on 26 October 2023, Dowling aquaplaned his Maserati Ghibli into a stationary car in Pontypool driven by Sharon Berry, who died from her injuries in January 2024. The crash also left Dowling's wife paralysed and seriously injured passenger Jane Beedell.
Key points
- Ronald Dowling was driving at 76mph in heavy rain and surface water when he aquaplaned and crashed into Sharon Berry's stationary car in Pontypool on 26 October 2023.
- Sharon Berry suffered catastrophic injuries and died in January 2024 at the age of 54 following three months in hospital.
- Dowling's wife, Kim, was left paralysed with a broken back and neck, and passenger Jane Beedell suffered extensive, life-changing injuries.
- Dowling pleaded guilty to causing death and serious injury by careless driving at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.
- He received a 27-month prison sentence suspended for two years, a four-year driving disqualification, 250 hours of unpaid work, and was ordered to pay £1,630 in costs.